The 98th Academy Awards, also known as the Oscars, was a night to remember. The prestigious event, held at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles, was filled with glitz, glamour, and unforgettable moments. From emotional speeches to stunning performances, the 2026 Oscars had it all. Let’s take a look at some of the top moments from this star-studded evening.
1. Historic Wins for Diversity
The 98th Academy Awards made history with its diverse list of winners. Chloe Zhao became the first woman of color and the second woman ever to win the Best Director award for her film “Nomadland”. Yuh-Jung Youn became the first Korean actress to win an Oscar for her role in “Minari”. And Daniel Kaluuya took home the Best Supporting Actor award for his powerful performance in “Judas and the Black Messiah”. These wins not only broke barriers but also highlighted the importance of representation in the film industry.
2. Emotional Speeches
The Oscars are known for their emotional speeches, and this year was no exception. From heartfelt thank yous to powerful messages, the winners used their platform to speak about important issues. Best Supporting Actress winner, Yuh-Jung Youn, brought the audience to tears with her speech, where she thanked her fellow nominees and paid tribute to her late husband. And Best Actor winner, Anthony Hopkins, delivered a moving speech about the importance of love and family.
3. Musical Performances
The 2026 Oscars had some unforgettable musical performances. H.E.R. took the stage to perform her Oscar-nominated song “Fight for You” from the film “Judas and the Black Messiah”. And Grammy-winning singer, Andra Day, gave a stunning performance of her song “Tigress & Tweed” from the film “The United States vs. Billie Holiday”. But the highlight of the night was the surprise performance by the legendary Stevie Wonder, who sang his classic hit “I Just Called to Say I Love You”.
4. Fashion Statements
The Oscars are not only about the awards, but also about the fashion. And this year, the stars did not disappoint. From elegant gowns to stylish suits, the red carpet was filled with stunning looks. Some of the standout fashion moments included Zendaya’s yellow Valentino dress, Halle Berry’s purple Dolce & Gabbana gown, and Regina King’s dazzling Louis Vuitton dress. The stars showed off their unique styles and made a statement with their fashion choices.
5. In Memoriam Tribute
The In Memoriam segment is always a bittersweet moment at the Oscars, as it pays tribute to the stars we have lost in the past year. This year’s tribute was especially emotional as it honored legendary actors such as Sean Connery, Cicely Tyson, and Chadwick Boseman. Andra Day’s powerful performance during the segment added to the emotional atmosphere, as the audience remembered the talented individuals who have left a lasting impact on the film industry.
6. Surprise Wins
The Oscars are known for their surprises, and this year was no different. The Best Picture award went to “Nomadland”, which was a surprise for many, as “The Trial of the Chicago 7” was a strong contender. And Best Actress winner, Frances McDormand, gave a surprising howl during her acceptance speech, paying tribute to the film’s theme of freedom and wildness. These unexpected wins added an element of excitement to the already eventful evening.
7. Record-Breaking Wins
The 2026 Oscars also saw some record-breaking wins. “Nomadland” became the first film directed by a woman to win Best Picture, and Chloe Zhao became the first woman to win Best Director since 2010. And at the age of 83, Anthony Hopkins became the oldest actor to win an Oscar for his role in “The Father”. These wins not only made history but also showed that age and gender are not barriers to success.
The 98th Academy Awards was a night to remember. From historic wins to emotional speeches, the evening celebrated diversity, talent, and the power of cinema. The Oscars once again proved to be the biggest night in Hollywood, and we can’t wait to see what the 99th Academy Awards will bring.
